August is a unique month in the gemological calendar, distinguished by not one, but three official birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio offers a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and meaning, from the vibrant green of a volcanic gem to the fiery red of a stone mistaken for ruby for centuries, and the ancient banded chalcedony that dates back to the dawn of civilization. For those born in August, the choice of a birthstone is a journey through geological marvels and cultural lore.
The primary August birthstone is peridot, a vivid green gemstone known for its fresh, lively color and fascinating origin, often formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Alongside peridot, sardonyx and spinel are also recognized as official August birth stones, offering variety for different tastes and preferences. These gemstones are associated with strength, protection, and healing, making them meaningful choices for anyone born in August. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of these three distinct gems, detailing their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolism they have carried through millennia.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot holds the position as the primary and most well-known birthstone for August. Its signature color, a bright lime green, makes it instantly recognizable and highly valued.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is rich and often intertwined with other green gemstones. The word “peridot” is believed to derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." However, some scholars suggest a Greek origin, peridona, which translates to “giving plenty,” a fitting name for a stone long associated with prosperity and good fortune.
A significant point of historical confusion is the misidentification of peridot. For centuries, this August birthstone was mistaken for other gems, including topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that gave topaz its name, actually produced peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were long believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot. The ancient Egyptians held this gem in high esteem, calling it the “gem of the sun” and valuing it for its luminous glow, believing it could ward off nightmares and evil spirits.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot has a unique geological origin. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. What makes peridot particularly fascinating is its formation under extreme conditions. It is often found in hardened lava that carries it from deep within the Earth’s mantle, brought to the surface by volcanic activity. In some rare and remarkable instances, peridot has also been found in meteorites that traveled from outer space.
Today, most commercial peridot is sourced from specific regions around the world. Key sources include Arizona in the United States, as well as Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Its natural brightness and color do not typically require enhancements, making it a favorite among consumers who prefer natural gemstones.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Its color ranges from yellow-green to deep olive, with the most valued stones displaying a rich, lime-green hue. While peridot is not considered extremely rare, high-quality stones with intense green color and few inclusions are valuable and sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler
Spinel is the second official August birthstone, celebrated for its brilliance and its long history of being mistaken for more famous gems.
History and Lore
For centuries, red spinel was mistaken for ruby, a confusion that led to some of the world's most famous "rubies" actually being spinels. The term "Spinel" is derived from the Latin word spina, meaning "thorn," likely referring to the shape of its crystals. It was only in recent centuries that spinel began to be recognized as a distinct gemstone. This history of misidentification has given spinel an underappreciated status, but modern consumers are increasingly seeking it out as a beautiful and durable alternative to ruby.
Spinel is associated with renewal and vitality. Its sparkling versatility makes it a popular choice for a variety of jewelry settings.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the specific geological formation of spinel, they do confirm its status as a distinct mineral and its presence in various global locations. It is known for its durability and sparkle.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is a versatile gemstone available in a wide range of colors, though it is most famous for its brilliant reds, which can closely resemble rubies. It is also found in pink, blue, and even black hues. Its key appeal lies in its excellent brilliance and hardness, making it suitable for all types of jewelry.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Banded Stone
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. It is a distinctive banded variety of chalcedony.
History and Lore
Sardonyx has a deep-rooted historical significance. Its name is derived from the Greek words sard and onyx, meaning "reddish brown" and "veined gem," respectively. The concept of birthstones is deeply rooted in history, with early records tracing back to the Breastplate of Aaron mentioned in the Old Testament. This sacred artifact featured 12 gemstones, and sardonyx was one of the prominent stones in many ancient calendars.
Sardonyx was highly valued by ancient Roman and Greek civilizations, who used it to create cameos and intaglios. It was believed to promote confidence, joy, and protection for the wearer.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a combination of sard and onyx, featuring bold bands of reddish-brown and white. This banded appearance is the result of layers of chalcedony forming with different colors, which are then cut and polished to highlight the contrasting patterns.
Gemological Properties
As a variety of chalcedony (a microcrystalline form of quartz), sardonyx has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. Its most defining characteristic is its banding, which makes it a unique and visually striking choice for jewelry.
A Broader Traditional Heritage
While the modern list for August is limited to peridot, spinel, and sardonyx, historical records show a more extensive array of gems associated with this month. The traditional August birthstones have evolved significantly over time. In the early centuries AD, carnelian and sardonyx were prominent. Later, medieval manuscripts listed a wider array, including moonstone, topaz, alexandrite, sapphire, ruby, and diamond. Each of these gems carries its own geological, historical, and symbolic significance, reflecting the rich and varied legacy of August in the world of gemology.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The August birthstones are not only valued for their beauty and durability but also for their symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. These beliefs, rooted in ancient traditions, continue to influence how people choose and wear gemstones today.
- Peridot is associated with prosperity, good fortune, peace, optimism, renewal, and emotional healing.
- Sardonyx is believed to promote confidence, joy, and protection.
- Spinel is linked to renewal and vitality.
These positive qualities are why August birthstones are often selected not just for personal adornment but also as meaningful gifts intended to bestow specific attributes upon the wearer.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care for your August birthstone depends on its hardness and physical properties.
- Peridot: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is moderately hard but can be prone to scratching if handled roughly. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- Spinel: Spinel is a durable gem with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratching. It can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Sardonyx: As a variety of chalcedony with a hardness of 7, sardonyx is quite durable. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
Conclusion
The August birthstone is a celebration of color, history, and symbolism. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant green of peridot, the classic banded appearance of sardonyx, or the sparkling versatility of spinel, there is a perfect gem to represent the month of August. Peridot stands out as the primary choice, with its unique volcanic origins and rich legacy of being mistaken for emeralds. Spinel offers a durable and brilliant alternative with a fascinating history of its own, while sardonyx connects the modern wearer to an ancient tradition spanning over four millennia. Together, these three stones provide a multifaceted legacy, allowing anyone born in August to embrace the energy and beauty of their birth gemstone.